Solar Panel Installation Facts

Having solar panels installed means not only that you are making a positive contribution towards lowering your carbon footprint and no longer being dependent on fossil fuels, which are quickly starting to run out, but also that you could potentially earn money not just by saving money on your fuel bills, but also by exporting energy you produce back to the grid.

Solar Panel Installation Facts # 1 - It is Possible to Receive Free Solar Panel Installation

This is true; there are many companies that offer free solar panel installation. The reason why they do this is two-fold. Firstly, the government’s Renewable Heat Premium Payment incentive means they will receive 10% of their installation costs back. Secondly, the government’s Feed in Tariff will go to the company that installed the solar panels rather than to the household for generally 25 years. The Feed in Tariff is the incentive that allows you to sell your generated electricity back to the grid.

Solar Panel Installation Facts # 2 – Solar Panel Installation Companies Have to be Certified

For any company to be able to install solar panels on your roof and the government incentives to become applicable, they need to be MCS – Microgeneration Certification Scheme – certified and be a member of the REAL – Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd – scheme. There are many companies that do offer free solar panel installation and that are part of these schemes, including:

Aelco Energy
A Shade Greener
British Gas
EAGA
Eco One Ltd
Eon Energy
Evo Energy Nottingham
Home Sun
Isis Solar

Solar Panel Installation Facts # 3 - Solar Panels Last for Many Years

Solar panels are generally decreasingly guaranteed over a period of time. For the first nine years, good solar panels should work at 100%, between 10 and 15 years, solar panels should operate at at least 90% and after this, solar panels should operate at least at 80%. This means that overall, solar panels have a very long life and you should be able to get maximum usage out of them for many years.

Solar Panel Installation Facts # 4 – Planning Permission is usually Not Required

Generally, planning permission is not required to install solar panels. Lately, panels are designed in such a way that they actually resemble roof tiles and hence do not change any of the outside appearance of your home. However, some buildings will require planning permission, particularly listed buildings or buildings in nature conservation areas so it is always a good idea to check with your local authority whether or not you require planning permission.

So, if you are ready to make that big step into renewable energy, whether it is because you want to make a positive contribution to the environment by no longer depleting nature’s reserves of fossil fuels and by reducing your carbon footprint (and hence your carbon emissions), or whether you are hoping to make an extra income by generation your electricity, or whether it is a combination of both – solar power installation facts can help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing the panels that meet your requirements.